Overview & Reviews

Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.

Unlike the Grand Am that it replaced, the Pontiac G6 had considerably more flavor than a generic rental car. Still, the traditional class favorites topped the G6 in the areas of engine refinement, driving dynamics and cabin materials. The G6 may still hold appeal for used-car shoppers, especially given its likely cut-rate pricing. GM has pledged to continue supporting Pontiac products in its service departments, so a used G6 isn't necessarily a bad idea.

Most Recent Pontiac G6

Based on General Motors' lengthened "Epsilon" platform, the Pontiac G6 was produced from 2005-'09 as a sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible. For '05, only the sedan was offered; the coupe and convertible debuted a year later. Three main trim levels were offered on the sedan: base, GT and GTP (which became the GXP in '08). Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. Plenty of standard features, such as air-conditioning, full power accessories and CD audio, came on the base model. The GT added niceties such as an upgraded Monsoon audio system. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.

At the time of Pontiac's demise, the G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp). Four-speed automatics were standard with all except the GXP's V6, which got a six-speed; however, the four-cylinder got an optional six-speed for 2009 that raised highway fuel economy to a laudable 33 mpg. Some power ratings were a bit lower in previous years, notably the 3.5-liter V6, and a manual transmission was available on a limited basis until '08.

In reviews we found that the Pontiac G6 offered generous room for those riding in back, no matter the body style. And we noted that after years of enduring criticism about its overstyled exteriors and gimmicky interior designs, Pontiac stepped up its efforts with the G6. Outside, the G6 had a crisp and sleek look; inside, there was a restrained and attractive layout with none of the traditional dull gray plastic switches. Even so, the G6 still had a few too many cheap plastic surfaces for our tastes.

On the road, we appreciated the low and midrange torque of the 3.5-liter V6, and the ride was smooth. The convertible's optional 3.9-liter V6 should be avoided if possible, though -- it was barely more powerful than the 3.5-liter V6 and got worse fuel economy. Handling was respectable, but we disliked the electric power steering, which was too light and offered virtually no feedback. GT models from 2007 and up had an improved hydraulic steering setup, which we preferred. Along with the enhanced feature content of the later models, we'd recommend focusing your used Pontiac G6 search on the '07 or newer models.

User Reviews:

• 

  New Pontiac Owner, formerly Chrysler - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Anita - September 1 - 11:06 am

  I never thought of owning anything but top of the line Chrysler, my previous vehicle being a 1996 LHS, leather interior, etc. However, I had sore knees from them being against the dash all the time because I am so short. I love how the pedals and the steering wheel come to me on the Pontiac G6 and I can now drive in complete comfort with my legs and arms outstretched. I love the way it handles and its sporty look. After 20 years with the Chrysler dealership out of town, I am now converted to a dealer in my own town who showed me this great little GT and let me drive it - well, one like it. Loved it so much, had the dealer trade for one in a neighboring town (they had none left).

• 

  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Frances Nelson - August 29 - 12:46 am

  Car will take off,Just love the inside,lots of room in the truck.Need to make lots more like this.

• 

  Warranty issues - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By madashell - August 20 - 10:33 am

  Bought my car brand new - $19,000 + - paid cash. First year - awesome except radio replacement due to the buttons chipping - 2nd year, serpentine belt, u-joints. 3rd year - getting radio replaced AGAIN due to chipping. Seats are fading - was told it was due to the mileage - umm, 30k only. Have GM now involved - but they just want to give me a certificate for $4k off a new GM car. You are kidding right? Im buying Ford and cannot wait until this radio is put in so I can get a decent private sale or trade in. What a joke - and what a thing for a dealer to say seats fade at 30k! No more GM for me!

• 

  The "Experts" Missed One! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By George - August 15 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 14 months, accumulating 12,000 miles with NO mechanical issues and I could not be more pleased. This cars 3.6 liter engine is FAST, its sporty looks get loads of compliments and it averages as much as 27.5 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg overall! The car handles well, has a satisfying but not obtrusive engine note and came fully equipped with leather interior, moonroof,auto climate control, 6 CD changer, power drivers seat and 6 speed auto/manual trans. For all this, I paid under $21,800! Too bad GM killed Pontiac; this car was a sleeper!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By SgtD - August 10 - 6:10 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of power, Ill end up with tickets with this (if they can catch me) because it gets to 90 fast.

• 

  Not bad at all - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Vigla - August 9 - 11:53 am

  Youll do well with this car as it is not overly expensive and has very good fit and finish for a Pontiac. Its a sharp handling car and it has enough power so that you feel you can punch it once in a while. Compared to an Accord, it certainly looks better, has a V6 instead of a 4 cyl for the same price and has a ton more options. XM Radio is a nice feature. Side Airbags are a must and mine has them. OnStar was included as well.

• 

  a Pontiac convert - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mj1pate - August 7 - 12:50 pm

  Never before interested in Pontiacs, until this model series. There is something interesting and refreshingly unPontiac about every aspect of the GTP GT (sedan). Peformance, comfort, ergonomics and seductive appearance make this care a gem. This car has the best of Italian and Japanese aesthetics. If I had been told that this was an 80s Maserati compact GT replica, Id have fallen for it. This is the best looking 4 pass sports sedan made by either Ford or GM.

• 

  Great Car for Great Price - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By sps97tj - August 6 - 5:00 am

  I have had this car for about 2 months now & I love it! It rides good, gas mileage is decent so far. The integrated remote start was a key selling feature that has been used almost every day here in Michigan. 2 key complaints though. Lots of squeaks and rattles when it gets really cold. I got the tan interior and the driver seat already has wear/dye from jeans. Still cant beat the price.

• 

  Garbage. Please do NOT buy! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By prouddaddy19 - August 5 - 3:24 am

  I got this car from a local dealership closeby back in early Sep/2011. I loved it. It was the nicest car Ive ever had. Has everything! 2 weeks later, electronic accel control goes out and the radio reads engine power reduced Got that fixed. 1 week later it happens again. dealer says it was a faulty part so they fixed it. 2 weeks ago I noticed that when I press the brakes on the highway the car shakes horribly. Dealer says the alignment is good. Then last week I pull into aco-workers driveway, and the yellow wrench light comes on and says low coolant. Checked coolant and no problems. Right on the full line. Now today from coming out from wal-mart, starter seized. DONT buy this car! LEMON!!

• 

  Not terrible but I wouldnt consider this car a winner. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By rocosoco - August 5 - 12:51 am

  I bought it used with 50k miles on it. Steering problem which the dealer fixed. The XM Radio transmitter on the roof leaks sometimes into my light and sunroof button and onto my shifter. Overall poorly build on the inside. The mechanics seem fine for now, no major problems...at 76k miles now. Ill probably keep it until it dies...maybe Ill be able to get it up to 120k...that would be ideal. Nice cheap car, but I should have done more research and I probably would have bought another car if I did...